THE BERRY

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DESCRIPTION

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Enclosure, possibly pre-Medieval in origins, reused and formed part of a manorial complex during the Medieval period.

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(SP 7153 5672) The Berry (NR) (1)

Rothersthorpe Berry. An enclosure known locally as The Berries,
roughly triangular in shape. On the S. side, the rampart and ditch
has been almost destroyed to make room for cottages and their gardens. Originally the work must have been of considerable strength. (2)

A strongly defended earthwork situated in a commanding position.
A small enclosure with an accompanying small mound and a large
steading within the major work are probably contemporary with the
original structure. No local references could be found regarding the
site and Northampton Museum could not postulate a period. The
engineering, situation, sharpness of profile, interior works and
general appearance suggest a Norman origin, but the mound within
cannot be considered a motte, although the smaller enclosure might
possibly have held a major building.
Resurveyed at 1/2500.

The work is probably of the same type as Weoley Castle in Warwickshire - 13-15th. century. See SP 08 SW 2. (3)

No change. (4)

Enclosure (SP 715567). The topographic position, name and perhaps
its form suggest that the enclosure is a medieval structure of
defensive purpose. However its unusual shape and the ample evidence
of secondary use both for habitation and agriculture might indicate
that it is pre-medieval in origin and was reused in the medieval
period perhaps as a manorial centre (cf. Burnt Walls Daventry)
[SP 56 SE 2] RCHM plan]. (5)

(SP 714575). A new school built in 1981 erected to the west of a scheduled earthwork, called `The Bury'. A watching brief carried out during earthmoving located ditches dating to c.9th-10th AD. (6)

SOURCE TEXT

( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date)

OS 6" 1969

( 2) General reference

VCH 2 1906 417 (Plan & Sections)

( 3) Field Investigators Comments

F1 FDC 3-MAR-64

( 4) Field Investigators Comments

F2 JB 3-MAR-69

( 5) General reference

RCHM Inventory Northants IV 131 fig 102 (Monument 8)

( 5a) General reference

RCHM 1981 Northants III Daventry (35)

( 5b) General reference

A/P (CUAP AZV71)

( 6) General reference

Northamptonshire Archaeol 17 1982 102

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